100 Heartbeats for the NHS

As a hobby, Aneeta has always been a keen knitter and during these unprecedented times, she wanted to use her skills to support the healthcare workers in her local hospitals.

Aneeta set herself the challenge of knitting 100 hearts to provide comfort to both COVID-19 patients and their relatives during these tough times.

Whilst staying at home during lockdown, Aneeta came across an initiative on social media to knit hearts for local hospitals. One heart is given to a COVID-19 patient and another is given to their relative to help them maintain a connection when visits to the hospitals are not possible. Aneeta got started straight away and to help as many patients as possible, she is aiming to knit 100 hearts.

Aneeta has spent long periods of time in hospital throughout her life due to chronic pain and knows that it can be an isolating and lonely time. She wanted to raise money to support the staff who have looked after her when she’s been unwell. It therefore felt natural to support our emergency COVID-19 appeal, as the staff at Barts Health NHS Trust continue to support her as she manages her illness. On top of this, Aneeta has worked as a Senior Biomedical Scientist in the Microbiology and Virology department for over 20 years in hospitals including The Royal London and St Bartholomew’s.

Aneeta says “I have always been an avid knitter; however, this is the first time I am raising money for a place so close to my heart. One little donation can change so much! Well in this case, one little heart can make all the difference.”

To motivate her to reach her goal, Aneeta is asking family and friends for donations to our emergency COVID-19 appeal and so far, she has raised over £2,000.

Thank you Aneeta!

If you have been inspired to fundraise for our NHS, please contact us or set up a fundraising page here.

Our COVID-19 Emergency Appeal is helping us provide urgent funds for staff who are working tirelessly across Barts Health NHS Trust. Donations are being used in many ways across our hospitals - from 3D-printed visors to protect front line staff, to iPads for isolated patients to speak with their loved ones.